Ashes: South Perth to host warm-up match between England and Cricket Australia XI

AS the eyes of the cricket world turn to Perth for the third Ashes Test, South Perth will play host to England in a warm-up match.

When the Cricket Australia XI take on the tourists at Richardson Park on December 9 and 10, there will be added spice with the controversy surrounding Jonny Bairstow’s headbutt on Cameron Bancroft and Ben Stokes’ alleged involvement in a street brawl in Bristol.

Australia won the first Ashes Test by 10 wickets, with the revelations of Bairstow’s headbutt on Western Warrior Bancroft at a Perth bar proving an unneeded distraction for the English side.

In his Test debut, Bancroft reached 82 not out during a 173-run partnership with fellow opener David Warner in Australia’s second innings as the home side cruised to victory.

The Richardson Reserve upper oval will be fenced off from December 6 to 11 with the playground and lower oval still accessible to the public at all times.

City of South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty said the fee for hiring the park was being finalised but any direct costs to the council would be accounted for by the event organiser.

“It is expected that many of the patrons will catch the ferry across from Elizabeth Quay and walk to the event from the Mends Street jetty with local businesses along this route, particularly retail and food outlets on Mends Street, benefiting from an increase in the number of people travelling to and from the event,” she said.

Up to 2000 people are expected each day at Richardson Park, with play to take place from 9.30am to 6pm.